Google Fiber for Communities

The DeKalb County cities of Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Decatur, Doraville and Dunwoody are joining forces in an effort to woo Google. Last month, Google announced plans to test ultra-high speed broadband networks in one or more trial locations across the country.

According to Google’s announcement, the networks will deliver Internet speeds more than a hundred times faster than what most Americans have access to today – over 1 gigabit per second, fiber-to-the-home connections. The IT giant will offer service at a competitive price to at least 50,000 and potentially up to 500,000 people.

To meet the 50,000 threshold, the cities of Avondale Estates, Chamblee, Decatur, Doraville and Dunwoody have formed the “Atlanta Urban Area Partnership for Google Fiber.” Officials from the cities are hoping that their partnership will provide a competitive edge against bigger competitors like Austin, Seattle and Pittsburgh.

Residents of the participating cities are invited to become fans of the Atlanta Urban Area Partnership for Google on Facebook and join the discussion on how ultra-high speed Internet could benefit metro Atlanta.

To be considered for the trial, Google is asking local governments to submit a response to its Request for Information, which is due March 26.

In the meantime, local officials from the partnership are working diligently to enlist neighboring jurisdictions as well as gain support from local groups and businesses. Emory University and Georgia Power are committed to this project, which could potentially be an economic boon to the area.

Each city’s governing body is planning to adopt resolutions and/ or proclamations before the March 26th deadline. Any other community members and organizations interested in supporting this proposal can visit the Facebook page or send an email to Luke Howe ( luke.howe@doravillega.us This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ).